During the early part of the summer, MileSplit MA will feature what we consider the best performances of the outdoor track & field season. This was an arduous task to undertake as there were an abundance of fine efforts turned in by our Bay Staters throughout this spring campaign. Without further adieu...
Davonte Burnett
100m, New England Championships - June 10
The Bay State area was blessed with sprinters this year and the Needham High junior ranks among the best of them. After an indoor season that saw him place third overall in the 55-meter dash, Burnett took control once the competition shifted outdoors. In state, he was undefeated in both the 100m and 200m dashes, winning both those individual titles at the MIAA All State Championships and continuing at the regional level where he claimed them again at the New England Meet.
It was at the New England's that we feel Burnett has his most impressive performance of the spring campaign. Competing in a loaded 100m race, the Needham star broke the tape in an all-time best of 10.48, a mere .01 ahead of Central's Donatien Djero, the recent Rhode Island state titlist. Burnett's time was substantial .15 faster than his previous best of 10.63 set at the All State Meet. Just a week later, he would continue his good fortune in the sprints by placing seventh in both his specialties at the New Balance Nationals. In the 100m, he nearly matched his effort at the NE meet with a 10.51 clocking.